I'll admit: I'm the laziest Halloween costume-planner ever. Example: On Saturday, for my first spooky party of the season, I dressed up (or, down, really) as Rachael Ray, complete with black V-neck T-shirt, jeans, apron, spatula, and a bottle of "EVOO." Technically a costume, but seriously lacking in wow factor.

As I plan a costume for the actual holiday (Rach was just a warm-up), I'm loving the ideas Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field offers at her boutique in Manhattan's East Village and on her website.